Hey guys, I hope you are enjoying this program so far. Today I am going to show you how to combine chords and melody using the fingerstyle technique. This is probably the most amazing thing about fingerstyle guitar, the ability to create a melody and add chords to it. The melody I am about to show you is very simple, and it has the same chords we learned in the “Fingerstyle and Chords” lesson. Enjoy.

How to Combine Chords and Melody Guitar Tab

1 How to Get Started

Combine Chords and Melody

Combining chords and melody is never a simple thing.

When we start playing the guitar, we get used to practicing one thing at a time. Some guitar players start with chords, others start with simple melodies, but almost nobody combines chords and melody right away.

I tried to develop a simple exercise that will show you how to play chords and melodies together, and because we already learned a chord progression.

Mastering two musical elements at once can be challenging, so take things step-by-step and practice one chord at a time.

Let’s get started.

2. The Chord Progression in This Lesson

The chord progression is pretty simple: D Dsus2 x2 | Em | A7 | D.

Notice that we are using the same chord progression from the video “Your First Fingerpicking Pattern.” If you skipped this lesson, go back and watch it.

I also recommend that you practice the additional fingerpicking patterns I show you in this lesson so that you can really master the chords and improve your technique.

2.1. Chord Structure and Melody

You must learn the structure of the exercise.

For this lesson, you will always alternate the chords with the melody.

Notice that the melody is always played after the chords, and it will change depending on the chord. The structure is always the same as the chords are played on beat 1 and 2 and the melody on beat 3 and 4.

Learn the structure below. Red color represents the chords, and yellow the melody.

Let’s Wrap This Up

Congratulation guys! I am thrilled and proud that you finished this fingerstyle guitar course for beginners.

I hope you I made you love fingerpicking guitar and with the lessons proposed in this simple course you were able to improve your fingerpicking technique.

Download my Free Ebook Acoustic Steps

If you wish to continue this journey, consider getting my free Ebook Acoustic Steps. This is a free Ebook for Intermediate guitar players packed with practical examples of chords, melodies, and rhythm.

Patreon Membership

Another great way to access premium content from my website is by becoming a Patron member.

With Patreon, you will access all the YouTube tabs and additional fingerpicking programs for beginners and intermediate guitar players.

This is a monthly subscription for just $5 a month.

Udemy Courses

Also, check my Udemy courses for Beginner and Intermediate guitar players.

Acoustic Guitar System is a fingerpicking course for beginners who want to understand more about fingerstyle, music theory, scales, chords, and melody.

Acoustic Guitar Redefined is a course for intermediate guitar players. This course is packed with practical examples of chords, melodies, and percussive approach. Perfect if you want to play chords differently!